Surgery Choice

We are back from today's surgery consult at UPMC (Pittsburgh).  They made a good case for surgery and I am feeling more confident yet scared.  My husband chose to schedule it asap.  He felt I grilled the physician a bit too thoroughly--yet it is a huge decision with significant consequences. This is the first glimmer of hope since diagnosis --it feels like we are at the top of the roller coaster again.  We lost a son after an aggressive four month effort to save his life at all costs.  We have lived with that regret, so this decision has been overlaid with layers of emotion. Thank-you to the many of you that have shared your experiences. 

Best wishes... My husband had transhiatal esopagectomy, and thoracicopy on may 8, of this year, he had some set back in hospital, but is doing fabulous now. 7 weeks later,,,they got all of the adenocarcinoma out... Prayers your way, I remember when we had been days away from the surgery, all of the thoughts, worries,,somebody made a fabulous quote on this, trust your mind, not your emotions. This is a fabulous sight, I had so much information in advance, I was so well prepared,,good luck, and please keep us posted,,

Looking back to when my husband was diagnosed, had chemo and radiation, then surgery...we never felt there was an option. His oncologist and surgeon stated very plainly- we are going for the cure! It will be 3 years in August since his surgery and he is doing well. There are plenty of ups and downs leading up to the surgery and the recovery process but we truly feel it was/is well worth it. Stay strong and keep everyone posted on your progress.

My 45 year old husband had the surgery on 05/31/2012 and 06/01/2012. He had early stage adenocarcinoma arising from Barrett's esophagus. I don't think anyone can be completely prepared for this surgery. In my heart, and I am sure my husband feels the same way, I believe the surgery was the only way to give him a second chance.

God bless you both as you move forward.

It will be two years for me this Friday and I am doing very well.  Just wanted your husband to know that there is no such thing as grilling a doctor too thoroughly.  My sig other did that and thanks to her grilling , research, asking questions, phone calls and legwork I was able to have a MIS at Sloan Kettering in 2010 with a new doctor at Sloan, Dr. Sarkaria.  Wouldn't be here if it weren't for them.